Josh specializes in hazard mitigation and field analysis. He retired as a Fire Captain in 2019. While on the Special Operations Response Team he managed hazardous materials, confined space, high angle, and underwater incidents, along with performing regular firefighting and medical duties. He holds many fire service certifications and was also an instructor at his department’s recruit academy. He was particularly interested in Haz-Mat response, leading him to attend many specialty training schools and several with Homeland Security. Josh enjoys spending his weekends outdoors with his wife and daughter, hiking, riding bikes or being out on the river. He loves to travel and SCUBA dives in the Caribbean regularly with his wife, Maria.

CERTIFICATIONS & ASSOCIATIONS:

Member – Louisiana Floodplain Management Association (LFMA)

Alumni Member – International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

Member – Professional Fire Fighters of Louisiana (PFFALA)

Member – Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society (FOOLS) Brothers of the Boot Chapter

Certification – EMT

Certification – CPR

Certification – Firefighter 1 & 2

Certification – Fire Driver/Operator (Pumper & Aerial)

Certification – Fire Service Instructor 1 & 2

Certification – Fire Officer 1 & 2

Certification – Hazardous Materials Awareness

Certification – Hazardous Materials Operations

Certification – Hazardous Materials Technician (IFSAC & EPA)

Certification – Specialty Fire & Rescue Services Rope Rescue 1 & 2

Certification – Scuba Schools International Open Water Diver

Certification – PADI Rescue Diver

Honor – Natchitoches Fire Department Honor Guard

Honor – 2009 Kiwanis Firefighter of the Year for the City of Natchitoches

Certification – Crossfit Trainer Levels 1 & 2

Certification – Crossfit Weightlifting

Certification – Crossfit Mobility

Certification – Crossfit Strongman

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

  • Center for Domestic Preparedness – Chemical, Ordnance, Biological and Radiological (COBRA – Anniston, AL)
  • DHS/FEMA Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings (New Mexico Tech., Socorro, NM)
  • Counter Terrorism Operations Support Response to Radiological/Nuclear Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents (Nevada National Security Site – Mercury, NV)
  • National Incident Management System (NIMS) – ICS 100, ICS 300, ICS 700
  • Arson Detection for the First Responder (LSU FETI)
  • Fire Prevention for the First Responder (LSU FETI) (FEMA)

PROJECTS

Josh has assisted with developing several grant applications and managing mitigation plans & projects. Project types include:

  • Acquisition of floodprone properties (FEMA HMGP; FEMA FMA; HUD CDBG-DR)
  • Elevation of floodprone properties (FEMA HMGP)
  • Stormwater Drainage System Improvements (FEMA HMGP; HUD CDBG-DR)
  • Development of Community Wildfire Protection Plan (FEMA HMGP)
  • Development of Community Hazard Mitigation Plan (SRA HMP)
  • Development of a Hazard Mitigation Study (TCEQ LEPC)
  • Regional Flood Control Project